The world No. 1 and defending champion Roger Federer was defeated by Sweden Robin Soderling 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 4-6 on Tuesday, ending his French Open journey in the quarterfinals.

"I think I played a better match today than last year's finals, said Soderling who was beaten by Federer at last year's French Open final," said Soderling. "As I said, it's difficult playing in your first Grand Slam final. Now I am in there and I played on the center court a couple of times. It was a little bit easier this time."

Federer took the first set in style but was broken in his first serve in the second set to his big hitter opponent.

 Roger Federer of Switzerland waves as he leaves the court after losing his match against Robin Soderling of Sweden during the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris June 1, 2010.

The third set was halted due to rain when Federer led in 5-5, 30-15. The match resumed about one hour later, witnessing the 16- time Grand Slam champion lost his serve due to double faults, then the whole set.

The two finalists at last year's French Open returned service break at the beginning of the fourth set, then tied until 4-4.

In the key moment, Federer surrendered another serve then failed to make revenge, losing the match to his rival who held the winning record of 12-0.

"I'm disappointed to a certain degree," said Federer who had reached the semifinals or better in his last 23 Grand Slam. "I don 't think I played a bad match, so it's easier to go out this way, I think.

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